Clamshell type bucket



July 3, 1962 R. FERwx-:RDA

cLAMsHELL TYPE BUCKET 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 5l, 1960 INVENTQR. HarFzfPwE/foq July 3, 1962 R. FERWERDA 3,041,755

v CLAMSHELL TYPE BUCKET Filed May 31, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN TOR.m/ @wwf/mg Hrm/Mfrs 3,hi1,755 Patented July 3, 1952 3,041,755 CLAMSHELLTYPE BUCKET Ray Ferwerda, 1059 NW. 163rd Drive, North Miami, Fla. FiledMay 31, 1960, Ser. No. 32,726 Claims.' (Cl. 317-187) This inventionrelates to material moving and handling equipment and, in particular, toan improved clamshell bucket for digging and loading earth, gravel,rubbish, and the like material.

Apparatus of the above type conventionally comprises a pair of tiltablebucket sections adapted to close upon each other in a jawlike, grabbingmotion whereby the material being handled is scooped up into the closingbucket. The sections are often connected to suitable actuating meansthrough complex linkage or other mechanism which is adapted to increasethe distance between the sec tions when they are in a fully openedposition and irnprove the penetrating and loading characteristics of thebucket.

The present invention has for an important object the provision of novelmeans for electing an improved closing motion to a pair of clamshellbucket sections involving very few moving parts. i'

Another object of this invention 4is to provide a clamshell bucket inwhich the action thereof combines a downward, tilting motion with ahorizontally inward, viselike closing movement.

Still another object of this invention is to provide such a bucket whichhas a wider loading capacity over buckets of conventional design.

Yet another object is to provide apparatus having the abovecharacteristics which picks up miscellaneous rubbish and similarmaterial more easily than conventional buckets.

Another object is to provide such apparatus which is The supporting beam3 is provided at the ends thereof with a pair of vertically downwardlyprojecting hanger members 7, and the other supporting beam 3a issimilarly provided with hanger members 7a. The hanger members 7-7a arerespectively rigidly secured to the supporting beams 3 3@ and are inturn xedly connected to the parallel tracks Et-30a.

As well shown in FIG. l, the track 3u has a straight, horizontallydisposed medial portion 3i corresponding in length to the supportingbeam 3, and integrally formed C- shape portions 32 adjacent the endsthereof. The C-shape portions 32 are semi-circular whereby the distalends thereof overlap and are connected to the hanger members 7. As Wellshown in FG. 3, the track 30a is similarly provided with a straight,medial portion 31a and C-shape end portions 32a which are connected attheir distal ends to the hanger members 7a of the supporting beam y3a.The tracks faQ-30a are identical in shape as shown in FIGS. l and 3 andare formed of channel-shape material with the open side of each channelbeing directed toward the opposite track. The ends of the track 3i) areclosed by j means of stop plates 33, and the ends of the track 30asimple in construction, efcient in operation, and highly durable in use.

Other objects of this invention and the invention itself will be readilyunderstood from the lfollowing specification and the accompanyingdrawings, in which said drawings:

FIG. l is a front elevation of the clamshell type bucket. of thisinvention;

FG. 2 `is a top plan View ofthe bucket as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section taken -generally along the line 3 3 of FIG. 2showing t-he bucket in a closed position; and

FIG. 4 is an end elevation of the bucket in the position as shown inFIG. 3.

Referring now to the drawings, the clamshell bucket of this invention,indicated generally at 1, comprises a pair of bucket sections lil-10awhich are opened and closed by means of reciprocatable piston type`motors Ztl-20a respectively. The movements of the bucket sections areguided by spaced, parallel tracks Sil-30a which are disposed on eitherside of the bucket sections lil-10a and rigidly secured together by aframe 2.

The frame 2 and the track .S0- 30a form a unitary constructionmanufactured from preferably channel-shape members which are welded,bolted, or otherwise suitably secured to each other at the placesindicated.

The frame 2 comprises a pair of laterally spaced and parallel supportingbeams 33a which are transversely connected by a pair of cross beams 4.The cross beams 4 are positioned symmetrically in the medial region ofthe supporting beams 3-3a and are slightly spaced from each other. Amounting plate 5 is bridged across the cross beams 4 and is rigidlysecured to said cross beams in any suitable manner. A bail 6 is rigidlymounted upon the mounting plate 5 and is adapted for suspending orotherwise suitably mounting the clamshell bucket 1 to any suitablevehicle.

are similarly closed by means of stop plates 33a. From the foregoing itwill be understood that the tracks 30e-30a are mirror images of eachother and comprise opposed, open channels with the ends of said channelsclosed.

The bucket sections 11h-10a may be of any suitable shape and as hereinillustrated comprise fan-shape parallel side walls llt-11a connectedacross the rounded part of their peripheries by means of concave bottoms-12 and 12a, respectively. Referring now to FIG. 3, the bucket sections10-1a are disposed between the tracks 30-3l'a With one of the straightedge portions 11-11a of the side walls 11e-11a being horizontallyaligned with the upper edges of the straight portions S51-31a when thebucket 1 is in a closed position. ln such position, the other straightedge portions 11 and 11a of said side walls are relatively contiguouswhereby said bucket sections forrn a semi-circular receptacle. Thelowermost edges of the bottoms 12-12a are preferably provided withmaterial penetrating teeth EL3-13a to improve the digging andpenetrating characteristics of said bucket section.

The bucket section i() is provided on either side with a pair of spacedrollers 14. The rollers 14 are mounted upon the outer sides of lthe sideWalls 11 adjacent the upper straight edge 11. One of said rollers oneach side is posi-tioned adjacent the bottom 12 whereas the other rolleron the same side is positioned adjacent the straight edge 11". Thebucket section 10a is similarly provided with rollers 14a which arepositioned in the same manner. As shown in both FIGS. l and 3, therollers 14-1-4a are positioned -Within the open channels of the tracksStG-3041, said rollers being held captive by said tracks but movablealong said tracks in a path corresponding to the configuration thereof.The bucket sections 1 0- 10a are movable from the position as shown inIFIG. 3 wherein the rollers are positioned at the straight medialportion '3l-31a of the track to a fully opened position as shown in FIG.l wherein said rollers have been moved into the C-shaped portion. ItIWil'il be clearly understood that as the rollers 14-14a move into andaround the C-shape portion EaZ-32a, the sections 10-10a are caused totilt away from each other in an opening movement. Conversely, when thebucket sections are moved inwardly toward each other and toward theportions 3131a, said sections are caused to tilt inwardly until thestraight edge portions 11" and 11a'.' become Vertical and the bucketcloses.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the relatively inwardly positioned rollers1li- 14a adjacent the edges 11"-11a are respectively connected by meansof shafts 15-15a.

un. c

The shafts -ll5a extend across the bucket sections lll-10a between theside walls 11-1la respectively and provide connection means for one endof the motors a are pivoted upon the last-mentioned shafts l-ltL alsoprovided with transversely disposed, interconnecting shafts 16-1611. Theopposite ends of the motors 20- Zta are pivoted upon the last-mentionedshafts ll6-16a- The motors Zit-20a preferably comprise cylindricalhousings 2l-21a having movably mounted therein pistons 22-22a andlongitudinally extendable piston rods 23-23a- The outwardly projectingends of the piston rods 2323a are pivotally mounted upon the shafts 1515a, respectively, and the cylindrical housings ZJL--Zla are pivotedupon the shafts M-la by means of longitudinally projecting bearingmembers .Z4-24a. iFluid connections 2S-25a are connected into thecylindrical housings Zit-Zita adjacent the ends thereof from which thepiston rods 231-2361 project. Similarly, the opposite ends of saidcylindrical housings are provided with fluid connections 26-26a. Fluidfrom a pressure fluid source (not shown) through valve 27 is ydirectedin parallel through the connections -25a to retract the piston rods23-23a, and iluid from Valve 2S is similarly directed through theconnections 26--26a behind the pistons 22-22a to cause said piston rodsto be extended outwardly.

It will be noted that the fluid motors Ztl-20a are cross connectedwhereby the motor 20l which operates `the -bucket section l@ is mountedto the` shaft ll6 adjacent the end of the supporting beams 3--3a whichis disposed generally over the bucket section 10a. In the same manner,the motor 20a is pivoted upon the shaft 16a which is disposed at theopposite end of the supporting beams 3-3a generally in the area ofoperation of the bucket section it). By thus cross connecting themotors, the axes of said motors are thereby flat-tened toward thehorizontal which results in the greater component of thrust beingdisposed in the direction of the straight, medial portions of the tracksSil-30a. By referring to FIG. 3, it will be noted that when the bucket 1is in its most open position, the axes of the motors, as indicated bythe broken lines X and Y, are even ilatter or more horizontal than `whensaid bucket is in the closed position. Thus, at the moment when thebucket sections lillila initially penetrate the material to be handled,the motors Ztl-2tlg are in the optimum position to provide the greatestcomponent of force to the closing sections. At this time the rollersM-lea are positioned in the C-shape portions 32-32a whereby the pull ofthe motors 2li-20a is at least advantageously related to the movement ofthe bucket sections lil-10a. Therefore, by the arrangement set forthabove the greatest component of thrust of the motors is provided at thepoint -where it is most needed when the bucket sections are 4firstbeginning to tilt downwardly and inwardly and to make the initialpenetration of the material.

The clamshell bucket 1 of this invention may be suspended from a cableby means of the bail 6 or it may be secured either pivotally or rigidlyto any suitable boom or frame of an excavating or similar materialhandling machine. AIt will be understood that suitable control means(not shown) are provided in any conventional manner for optionallydirecting a fluid medium to the motors 2u-29a through either theconnections at 2S-25a or those located at 26-2641. Fluid introducedthrough the connections 25-25a causes the piston rods 23h-23a to retractthereby eifecting a closing movemen-t of the bucket sections ltl-ltmFluid introduced through the connections ZQi-Zta causes the piston rodsto extendthereby moving the bucket sections outwardly and effecting anopening movement thereof. It will be noted that the inner rollers 14-lia adjacent the edges 11-11a always tend to travel in a straight,horizontal line due to the fact that when the bucket sections l-lta arein their most open poshame-5 sition, said inner rollers are justbeginning to enter the C-shape portions 32. The remaining rollers 14-14aare stopped by abutting the stop plates S31-33a thereby limiting theoutward movement of the inner rollers. When the motors Ztl-20a retractto close the bucket, the inner rollers move inwardly in a straight linewhereas the outer rollers follow the arcuate configuration of theC-shape portions 32-32a. The sections 10--10a are, therefore, pivotedabout a constantly changing, inwardly moving axis thereby causing saidsections to enter the material at a less acute angle than they would ifsaid sections were pivoted about an unchanging point. This ilattening ofthe angle of penetration of the sections greatly improves thepenetrating characteristics of the bucket. The present construction alsocauses a substantial portion of the closing movement to be eiected withthe sections lll-10a moving in substantially a straight line closingmotion. The result is a prolonged scooping effect by each bucket sectionwhich tends to increase the amount of material which is loaded into thebucket with each closing movement.

lt is anticipated that the curved, C-shape portions SZ- 32a may be otherthan lsemi-circular in form to modify the initial tilting andpenetrating motion of the bucket sections if so desired. lt is alsoanticipated that other mechanical means may be used to actuate thebucket sections.

The present embodiment of `this invention as herein illustrated anddescribed comprises a novel construction which includes but few movingparts and which is positive and efficient in use. An improved closingmotion is imparted to the bucket sections by means of the paralleltracks Sti- Sila which hold the rollers 14-14a in captive engagementtherewith to insure proper operation of the bucket. The power means foroperating the bucket, as represented by the motors 2tl-2a, are connecteddirectly to the buckets themselves whereby a maximum force is applied tothe closing sections. The sections are opened to the widest possiblepoint with each section being tilted or rotated outwardly substantiallydegrees to provide for complete emptying of the bucket. Excess linkageand connecting means found in conventional buckets are eliminated, and apositive, unitary closing movement is assured by the parallel-connected,separate iluid motors.

It will be understood that many changes in the details of this inventionas herein disclosed may be made without, however, departing from thespirit thereof or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A clamshell bucket comprising a pair of spaced, parallel tracks; apair of oppositely facing, complementary bucket sections positionedbetween said tracks; means providing a rolling engagement between saidsections and said tracks in such manner that said sections follow thecontour of said tracks; said tracks having curved end portions wherebysaid sections are tilted way from each other. when moved adjacent saidend portions; and power means for reciprocatively moving each saidsection from the longitudinal middle region of said tracks to therespectively curved end portions associated therewith to alternatelyopen and close said bucket.

2. A clamshell bucket comprising a pair of spaced, parallel tracks; apair of oppositely facing, complementary bucket sections positionedbetween said tracks; said sections having rollers captively engaged bysaid tracks for rolling engagement therewith; said tracks havingupwardly curved end portions whereby said sections are tilted away fromeach other in response to the configuration of said tracks when movedadjacent said end portions; and power means for reciprocatively movingeach said section from the longitudinal middle region of said tracks tothe respective curved end portions associated therewith to alternatelyopen and close said bucket.

3. A clamshell bucket comprising a pair of spaced, parallel tracks; apair of oppositely facing, complementary bucket sections positionedbetween said tracks; said tracks being channel shaped having parallelllanges with the open side of each channel facing the opposite track;said tracks having upwardly curved end portions; each side of each saidsection having rollers mounted thereto; said rollers positioned withinsaid track between said parallel flanges in rolling engagement with saidtrack; and power means for reciprocatively moving each said section fromthe longitudinal middle of said tracks to the respective curved endportions associated therewith whereby said sections are tilted away fromeach other when moved adjacent said end portions and closed upon eachother when returned to the middle of said track.

4. A clamshell bucket comprising a pair of spaced tracks which areparallel throughout their lengths; a pair of oppositely facing,complementary bucket sections positioned between said tracks; meansproviding a `rolling engagement between said sections and said tracks;said tracks having straight medial portions for moving said sectionsaway from and toward each other in a straight line; said tracks havingcurved end portions whereby said sections are tilted away from eachother when moved adjacent said end portions; and power means forreciprocatively moving each said section from the longitudinal middleregion of said tracks to the respective curved end portions associatedtherewith.

5. A clamshell bucket comprising a pair of spaced tracks which areparallel throughout their lengths; a pair of oppositely facing,complementary bucket sections positioned between said tracks; saidtracks lbeing channel shaped and having parallel side flanges with theopen side of each channel facing the opposite track; said sectionshaving rollers mounted to the sides thereof; said rollers positionedwithin said tracks between said parallel flanges in rolling engagementwith said tracks; said tracks having straight medial portions; saidtracks having curved end portions whereby said sections are tilted awayfrom each other when moved adjacent said end portions; and power meansfor reciprocatively moving each said section from the longitudinalmiddle of said tracks to the respective curved end portions associatedtherewith whereby said sections are tilted away from each other whenmoved `adjacent said end portions and closed upon each other in aviselike closing motion when returned to the middle of said track.

6. A clamshell bucket comprising a supporting frame; a pair of parallel,spaced tracks mounted to said frame; a pair of oppositely facing,complementary bucket sections positioned between said tracks; meansproviding a rolling engagement between said sections and said tracksadjacent the upper edges of said sections; said tracks having curved endportions whereby said sections are tilted away from each other inresponse to the conguration of said tracks when moved adjacent said endportions; and power means connected to said frame and said sections forreciprocatively moving each said section from the longitudinal middleregion of said tracks to the respective curved end portions associatedtherewith to alternately open and close said bucket.

7. A clamshell bucket comprising a pair of spaced, parallel tracks; apair of oppositely facing, complementary bucket sections positionedbetween said tracks; means providing a rolling engagement between saidsections and said tracks whereby said sections are movable from a closedposition adjacent the middle of said tracks to a fully opened positionadjacent the end of said tracks; said tracks having curved end portionswhereby said sections are tilted away from each other in such mannerthat said sections follow the contour of said tracks when moved to theopened position; a frame unitarily mounting said tracks in iixedrelation to each other; and a pair of reciprocating, piston type motorsmounted on said frame and connected respectively to said pair ofsections for reciprocatively moving `said sections from the middle tothe ends of said tracks in cooperative opening and closing movements.

8. A clamshell bucket comprising a pair of spaced, parallel tracks; apair of oppositely facing, complementary bucket sections suspendedbetween said tracks; said tracks being channel shaped and havingparallel side flanges with the open side of each channel facing theopposite track; each track having upwardly and inwardly curved endportions; rollers mounted to the sides of said sections and positionedwithin said tracks between said parallel flanges in rolling engagementwith said track whereby said sections are tilted in response to theconfiguration of said tracks; a frame unitarily mounting said tracks infixed relation to each other; and `a pair of reciprocating, piston typemotors mounted on said frame adjacent the ends of said tracks andconnected respectively to opposite of said pair of sections forreciprocatively moving said sections from the middle to the ends of saidtrack in cooperative opening and closing movements.

9. A clamshell bucket comprising a pair of spaced tracks which areparallel throughout their lengths; a pair of oppositely facing,complementary bucket sections positioned between said tracks; saidtracks being channel shaped and having parallel side flanges with theopen side of each channel facing the opposite track; said sectionshaving rollers mounted to the sides thereof; there being a plurality ofsaid rollers on each section spaced apart in the direction of sectionmovement; said rollers positioned within said tracks between saidparallel iianges in rolling engagement with said tracks; said'trackshaving straight medial portions for moving said sections away from andtoward each other in a straight line; Said tracks having curved endportions, said end portions being generally C-shape with their opensides facing inwardly, whereby said sections are tilted away from eachother when moved adjacent said end portions; a frame unitarily mountingsaid tracks in fixed relation to each other; and a pair ofreciprocating, Iiiuid operated, piston type motors mounted on said frameand directly connected respectively to said pair of sections forsimultaneously applying pressure for moving said sections between themiddle and the ends of said tracks in cooperative opening and closingmovements.

10. A clamshell bucket comprising `a pair of depending bucket sectionsadapted for cooperative opening and closing movements; each sectionhaving pairs of spaced, laterally projecting rollers adjacent the upperedges of said sections; said rollers captively engaged by a pair ofcooperating tracks disposed on either side of said bucket; said sectionsmovable along said track toward and away from each other; said rollersso disposed as to cause said sections to tiltingly respond to theconfiguration of said tracks when moved; said tracks having straightmedial portions and upwardly directed curved end portions whereby saidsections tilt outwardly away from each other when said sections aremoved `adjacent said curved end portions and whereby said sections closeupon each other in a straight line, viselike movement when movedadjacent said medial portions; and power means for reciprocativelymoving each said section from the longitudinal middle region of saidtracks to the respectively curved end portions associated therewith.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS606,720 Hulett July 5, 1898 736,796 Slocum Aug. 18, 1903 803,118Lindstrom Oct. 3-1, 1905 1,434,065 Prefontaine Oct. 31, 1922 2,828,038Dorkins Mar. 25, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 439,694 Great Britain Dec. 12,1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,041,755 July 3, 1962 Ray vFerwerda It is hereb.;r certified that errorappears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that thesaid Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Colurnn 3, line 4, strike out "20a are pivoted upon the last-mentionedshafts 16-16a." and insert instead 20-20a. The ends of the supportingbeams 3-3a are v -Signed and sealed this 6th day of November 1962.

(SEAL) Attest:

DAVID L. LADD ERNEST W. SWIDER Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer

